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Bihar govt pushing for Darbhanga international airport status, says CM
The Bihar chief minister announced that the state’s efforts to secure international airport status for Darbhanga airport would be realized, and a new terminal may be named after Vidyapati. He oversaw the transfer of airport security to CISF, announced additional airport projects, and outlined a broader plan to expand aviation infrastructure across districts, including airstrips and helipads where feasible. A high-level meeting with central civil aviation officials was promised for next week, with land allotted for a CISF training centre in Kishanganj.
Why It Matters
It signals Bihar’s aggressive push to expand air connectivity and aviation infrastructure across districts, potentially reshaping regional mobility and economic development.
Timeline
11 Events
Progress update on Darbhanga International Airport project
May 14, 2026
Later, at the meeting held in the Darbhanga airport premises, the director of Darbhanga airport apprised the chief minister of the progress of the Darbhanga International Airport project through a presentation, detailing updated status of the new terminal building, road connectivity, available facilities, power house, AC plant and other related infrastructure.
Speakers at the programme: Jha, Thakur, Saraogi, and Praveer Ranjan
May 14, 2026
The programme was addressed by JD(U) working president and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, Darbhanga MP Gopal Jee Thakur, BJP state president and MLA Sanjay Saraogi, and CISF director general Praveer Ranjan.
110 acres allotted for CISF regional training centre in Kishanganj
May 14, 2026
The government allotted 110 acres of land in Pothia block of Kishanganj district for setting up a regional training centre of the CISF, with assurances of additional land if required.
Smaller-scale programme in line with PM Modi’s appeal
May 14, 2026
Choudhary described the occasion as historic and significant, noting that the programme was organised on a smaller scale in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to minimise expenditure and fuel consumption by preferring video conferencing and limiting public events.
High-level meeting with Centre civil aviation officials; next week
May 14, 2026
The chief minister stated that a high-level meeting involving civil aviation officials from the Centre would be held next week to discuss the expansion and development of airport infrastructure facilities in Bihar.
Industrial development plans for Ashok Paper Mill campus
May 14, 2026
He said the government was working towards promoting industrial development during the next five years in the Ashok Paper Mill campus.
North Bihar infrastructure growth and connectivity improvements
May 14, 2026
Choudhary noted rapid infrastructure growth in north Bihar, highlighting reduced travel times to Jayanagar, Nirmali and Araria due to improvements in road and rail connectivity.
Ambitious aviation infrastructure plan for every district
May 14, 2026
The chief minister said the government intended to ensure aviation infrastructure in every district, with airstrips where feasible and modern helipads where even that is difficult to implement to facilitate regular helicopter services.
Plan to develop airports at Munger, Ajgaibinath Dham (Bhagalpur) and Begusarai
May 14, 2026
He added that the government was planning to develop airports at Munger, Ajgaibinath Dham in Bhagalpur and Begusarai.
Tenders floated for Muzaffarpur, Raxaul, Saharsa and Birpur airports; Purnia flight operations commenced
May 14, 2026
Choudhary said tenders had already been floated for airports at Muzaffarpur, Raxaul, Saharsa and Birpur, while flight operations from Purnia airport had commenced.
CISF security handover ceremony at Darbhanga airport
May 14, 2026
The chief minister inaugurated the programme by lighting a ceremonial lamp and formally transferring the airport’s security command to CISF director general Praveer Ranjan, presenting the CISF flag and a symbolic key.